Gulet Cruise & Cappadocia to Istanbul
Six nights on a gulet from Fethiye along the Lycian coast, then Pamukkale, Cappadocia and the Salt Lake by bus to Istanbul.

- 12 days
- 11 nights
- Fethiye → Istanbul
- starts / ends
- Max 16
- on the bus
- Saturdays, Apr–Oct
- guaranteed departures
- B · D on land · full board at sea
- meals
- Easy
- pace
Start on the water. Board in Fethiye on Saturday for a week of bays, Kas, Kekova and Simena, come ashore the next Friday, and on Saturday the bus takes you inland: Saklikent Gorge, Pamukkale, two nights in Cappadocia and the Salt Lake before Istanbul.
Why you'll love this tour
- Start with a full week at sea on a traditional gulet from Fethiye
- Then Saklikent, Pamukkale and two nights in Cappadocia by bus
- Optional sunrise balloon, Turkish night and quad safari in Cappadocia
- Ends in Istanbul
Day by day
DAY 1 · SATSailBLDFethiye · Blue Lagoon
Overnight: Gulet · St. Nicholas Island
Fethiye · Blue Lagoon
Regarding the Gulet Cruise section of the tour: You have the option to choose between the regular group or the 18–39 group on Gulets. Please note that entrance fees are not included, and cruises are non-tour-guided, as our captain and crew operate them instead. Guests will need to be at Fethiye Harbour at around 10.00 am. If you require directions, our staff will be happy to help. You will be checked into your gulet, where you will get the chance to meet your crew. We’ll depart from Fethiye Harbour. Our first stop is Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi), a hidden gorge surrounded by cliffs up to 350 meters high. Accessible only by boat and home to many butterfly species, especially the Jersey Tiger, it’s the perfect spot for lunch, swimming, and an optional hike to the waterfall. We then visit Oludeniz, home to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, which is often referred to as the most photographed beach in Europe, ideal for swimming and relaxation. it’s a paradise for swimming, paragliding, and soaking in some of Turkey’s most iconic coastal scenery.
In the evening, we anchor at St. Nicholas Island, where ancient ruins and a hilltop view offer one of Turkey’s most memorable sunsets.

DAY 2 · SUNSailBLDSt. Nicholas · Kas
Overnight: Gulet · Kocakari Bay, Kekova
St. Nicholas · Kas
Early in the morning, we sail to Aquarium Bay for breakfast and a swim before heading south. Our next stop is Kas, a town with roots in Lycian, Roman and Ottoman cultures, which has grown from a fishing village into a charming destination. Its harbour and 2,400-year-old marble streets invite leisurely exploration, with shops famous for jewellery and crafts. Just beyond the town, the ancient theatre offers sweeping sea views.
We then continue to Kekova and anchor in Kocakari Bay for the night.

DAY 3 · MONSailBLDSunken City · Simena Castle
Overnight: Gulet · Gokkaya Bay
Sunken City · Simena Castle
After breakfast in Kekova, we sail past the 2,400-year-old Sunken City, where ancient walls and harbours lie just below the turquoise waters. Next is Kalekoy (Ancient Simena), a small village of fewer than 50 houses, accessible only by boat or on foot. Explore Lycian sarcophagi, wander bougainvillaea-lined paths, and climb to Simena Castle for stunning views before enjoying the village’s famous homemade ice cream.
In the afternoon, we anchor in peaceful Gokkaya Bay, ideal for swimming and relaxation. Optionally, you could visit the Smugglers Inn Bar at night. This rustic bar is located on a remote island and is only accessible by boat. It offers a unique atmosphere under the stars, complete with music and dancing.

DAY 4 · TUESailBLDDemre · Turtles Bay
Overnight: Gulet · Gokkaya Bay
Demre · Turtles Bay
Today begins with a swim and breakfast before we cruise to Demre Cayagzi Harbour. We then visit Karemlik Turtles Bay to spot Caretta caretta turtles, snorkel, and relax. You may also explore Demre’s market or enjoy Turkish tea at a local café. In the afternoon, we cruise back to Kalekoy (Simena Castle), passing the Sunken City. Here you can paddleboard around or explore the Lycian Tombs, some of which rise impressively from the water.
Later, we return to Gokkaya Bay, a turtle breeding ground. In the evening, you may revisit Smugglers Inn Bar for another lively night.

DAY 5 · WEDSailBLDKekova · Firnaz Bay
Overnight: Gulet · Firnaz Bay
Kekova · Firnaz Bay
Today, we will cruise to Limanagzi Bay, a peaceful spot with crystal-clear waters and lush scenery. There are also beachside restaurants, making it the perfect place to swim and relax. We then cruise to Kas for shopping, or you may prefer to sit in a local café. Take a short walk to visit the Antiphellos Amphitheatre by the Kas Harbour, then head to the tiny cove of Kucuk Cakil beach, perfect for a refreshing dip steps from town. It's stunning.
We end the day at Firnaz Bay - Aquarium Bay for swimming and dinner.

DAY 6 · THUSailBLDButterfly Valley · St. Nicholas Island
Overnight: Gulet · St. Nicholas Island
Butterfly Valley · St. Nicholas Island
Wake up to the beautiful blue waters of Butterfly Valley, one of the most stunning natural wonders on the coast. The valley is named after the rare Jersey Tiger butterfly and is nestled between towering cliffs. Enjoy a swim in the clear sea or take a hike to a hidden waterfall —a great way to start the day.
From here, we go to the famous Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz. The lagoon's calm, turquoise waters and white sandbar have made it a Turkish coastal icon. You can swim, relax or soak up the scenery there.
In the evening, we anchor at St. Nicholas Island (Gemiler Island), exploring ancient Christian ruins and chapels. Climb to Sunset Point for panoramic views as the sun sets over the sea.

DAY 7 · FRISailBLDSamanlik Bay · Fethiye
Overnight: Fethiye hotel
Samanlik Bay · Fethiye
After breakfast, we will sail to Samanlik Bay for swimming before heading back to Fethiye Harbour. Around noon, we will disembark in Fethiye and be transferred to the hotel. Then, for the rest of the day, you will have time for leisure.

DAY 8 · SATBusBLDSaklikent · Pamukkale
Overnight: Pamukkale hotel
Saklikent · Pamukkale
Today, we will continue to visit the Saklikent Gorge Canyon. The gorge is one of the longest and most impressive in Turkey. Cold water flows into the canyon, while the imposing mountains create a spectacular atmosphere. You can walk into the gorge and uncover its secrets during your exploration. If you're looking for an exciting experience, consider trying river tubing in the refreshing waters of the canyon.
Additionally, if you are interested, you can swim in the cold water of the canyon to refresh yourself. We will then continue to Pamukkale, where we will be staying overnight. Saklikent Gorge Canyon

DAY 9 · SUNBusBLDPamukkale · Cappadocia
Overnight: Cappadocia hotel
Pamukkale · Cappadocia
Today, we are scheduled to visit Pamukkale, also known as the "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site renowned for its hot springs and travertine terraces formed by carbonate minerals deposited by flowing water. Visitors have the opportunity to indulge in the rejuvenating experience of bathing in its pools or explore the distinctive natural landscape.
Following our visit to Pamukkale, we will proceed to Cappadocia, where we will have the chance to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking Turkish scenery and traverse through charming small towns and villages. Upon our arrival, we will complete the check-in process at the hotel and have some leisure time to unwind before embarking on our exploration of Cappadocia the following day.

DAY 10 · MONBusBLDCappadocia · Goreme Museum
Overnight: Cappadocia hotel
Cappadocia · Goreme Museum
Get ready for an early start, as we have the option to enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the beautiful landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed morning, you can start your day with a leisurely breakfast. We will embark on a journey to explore the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Goreme and visit significant landmarks, including the Goreme Museum, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Cavusin. In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to visit local handicraft manufacturers and gain insight into traditional art forms. Additionally, you are invited to attend an optional Turkish night event this evening, providing an opportunity for cultural immersion and entertainment.

DAY 11 · TUEBusBLDUnderground City · Salt Lake
Overnight: Istanbul hotel
Underground City · Salt Lake
In the morning, we will explore Derinkuyu Underground City, an extraordinary subterranean complex encompassing a church, wells, food stores, and stables, all situated 60 meters below ground. Next, we will continue our journey to Salt Lake, or Tuz Golu, a white/pink (depending on the time of year) salt lake that you may have seen on Instagram posts; situated in central Turkey it is renowned for its vast salt deposits and unique ecosystems. It is an essential habitat for various bird species, particularly during migration..
The lake's striking white landscape and pink hues from salt-loving microorganisms make it a popular spot for photography and tourism. Following this visit, we will proceed to Istanbul, with an expected late evening arrival.

DAY 12 · WEDBusBLDIstanbul
Overnight: —
Istanbul
Breakfast and check out. Sadly, it's the end of the tour. Today is the time to say farewell to your new friends with lifetime memories.

The boat
Standard wooden gulet with double and triple cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning. Spacious deck with sunbathing cushions, dining and lounge areas, a rear platform for easy sea access, and a friendly professional crew who cook three meals a day. The sail leg is run by the captain and crew rather than the tour guide; entrance fees on the sail leg are paid on board.
More about the gulet cruise →Included
- Entrance fees on the bus tour
- 7-Day Gulet Cruise
- 5 hotel nights and 6 nights on the gulet
- Double, twin, triple, or shared cabins
- Professional Tour Guide
- Tour Bus with A/C
- Solo guests can share twin/triple or pay extra for private accommodation.
- Free wifi on buses, hotels and gulets
Not included
- Entrance fees on gulet cruise
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees on the sail leg: about €103 + 40 TL, paid on board
Optional adventures
Book with your guide on the day, or mention them in your enquiry so we hold a place.
Where you sleep
Boutique or 4-star, central
Boutique or 4-star, central
Boutique or 4-star, central
Boutique or 4-star, central
Double / triple cabin, en-suite
Dates & prices
12 days · Saturdays, Apr–OctReviews
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Good to know
- Pick-up: Be at Fethiye harbour around 10:00 on day 1; our staff can give directions.
- Accommodation: On land, you will stay in carefully selected boutique or four-star hotels, where you can fully enjoy both comfort and the charm of the local atmosphere. At sea, you’ll embark on a memorable seven-day journey aboard our comfortable standard gulets, surrounded by stunning views and crystal-clear waters.
- Solo travellers: No single supplement if you share a twin or triple room / cabin. A private room or cabin is available for a supplement.
- Payment: A 50% deposit confirms your booking; the remaining 50% is paid on the first day of the tour.
- Cancellation: Cancel free of charge up to 3 weeks before departure. Changing to another departure date is also free up to 3 weeks before. Inside the last 3 weeks our terms & conditions apply.
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